Folding device for tables and the like



June A2, 1931-.. H, HowE FOLDING DEV-ICE FOR TABLES AND'` THE LIKEFil'ed DeC. ll, 1929 Patented June 2, 1931 f UNITED STATES PATENTVOFFICE A HAROLD Howie, or NEW YORK, N. Y., AssIeNoR To Hows FOLDINGFURNITURE, TNC,

' on NEW YORK, N. Y. i

FLDNG- DEVICE FR TABLES AND THE LIKE Application led December 11, 1929.Serial No. 413,231.

My invention relates generally to folding devices for tables and thelike and particularly to serving tables such as'are used in hotels forroom service and likewise usedrin clubs, churches or the home. f Theordinary type of, roundserving table with drop leaves in common usetoday is a non-folding table requiring a large amount of storage spacewhen not in use and is diflicult to transport from the storage space tothe room or other point where it is to be used, and whichis generallydifficult and awkward to handle. It is thel primary purpose of myinvention to provide a simple, inexpensive folding table for thispurpose, which occu-f pies but a fraction vof the. storage space re-kquired for the non-folding typey of table, which is easily andconveniently portable,

which may be set up for yuse with a minimumv amount of effort, whichwhen unfolded for use provides a substantial table of relatively largesize and which when it has served its purpose can be easily and quicklyfolded and disposed of out of the way, either in the room where it isused or in the usual storage place provided in the hotels, clubs, etc.

Another object of my invention is to provide a design for a table ofthis character which Amakes it economical to manufacture, sturdy ofconstruction, easily operated and free of extraneous attachments,locking devices, etc.v

One of the principal featuresof my invention is a folding means by meanslof which an operator may with the greatest easefold or unfold a tableto operativeor inoperative` position, and which when so folded or un.

folded remains in such position for use or transportation. l f Morespecifically, my invention contemplates the provision of a ksystem ofpivoted links or braces, which permitsready folding or unfolding of atable or other foldabledevice to which my invention may be applied bymanipulation of the table top at either end or either side, and with anease which permits ready operation thereof'by a woman. g Another object`lies in the provision of synchronized folding means whereby the tablemay be folded by lifting on either side thereof. l

. Still another object lies in theprovision of novel means for utilizingdrop leaves for the table and supporting them in Vextended/or unfoldedposition; f. Y

A further object llies in the provision ofa wheel support for the table,which 'provides a substantial and rigid supporting means for the tablein unfolded or ready to use condition, and which provides a ready andeasy: means of transportation or portability with the table inits foldedposition. l f

Still another object of my invention lies in the provision as a4xnodifiedform, of Va, table provided with a central top piece whichserves as a support in either the folded ork unfolded position of thetable. lj

Other ob'ects and advantages yin details of construction and operationwill be` apparent as thel description proceeds, vreference now being hadto the figures of the accompanying drawings forming a part of thisapplication, and wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a side view of a table constructed inaccordance with my invention.

Figure 2 is an end view thereof, certain parts being shown in section. 1

Figure 3 is an end Y 'ew of the table in itsl folded or collapsedposition. .f

'Figure 4 is a detail viewof one end of a table constructed in alslightly .modified manner. r f

'The table structure consists essentiallyin a pair of spaced sideframes, these frames each consisting of the upright supports l connected,togetherA at their upper ends by means of the longitudinal bar or strip2, and further connected and held in spaced relation by asecond crossbar or strip 3, spaced slightly below the upper bar v2. Each of thelongitudinal bars 2 hashinged thereto at its upper and outer edge asatl, one of the sections`5, forming the table top. These 'sections 5arehinged together at their innerends and lthe table top collapsible uward when the side frames-,rcornprising te upright l and on theirunderside as at' 6, therebi')7 .rendering ienv CII

3K5* ment with the cross bar 3 'where it is: auto;

the cross bars 2 and 3, are moved toward each other, as is shown clearlyin Figure 3. Likewise when the side fra-mes are moved outwardly awayfrom each other to the posit-ion shown in Figure 2, the sections 5forming the table top,` hinge downwardly and rest upon' theupper'surfacesof the cross bars 2. SuchcrossJ bars therefore forming asubstantialV supportfor the-outeredges of the table top and likewiseserving to align these sections 5 of the top in order to provide asmooth level surface. y i

As is clear from Figures 2 and the sections 5 forming the table topextendslightly Y beyond the cross bars A2 and hinged to the outerloweredges of the sections 5,-Las'fa't 7 are the drop leaves 8. Securedto the under#k sideV ofthe di'ropleaves 8 is a bracket 9formin'ga'bearing= for 'a' pintlell@ v(see Figure 1) upon'whichisp-ivoted at one end a bra-ce rod 11 adapted to engage atitsfr'eeend in`= anotchor groove 12 provided centrally in the crosslpiece3;pwhenvthe drop leaf is raised' toa positioiirflush and levellywith the sections '5f-forming"V thetable topi, asis clearly shown inFigures V1 and 24J A coil spring 13 eneircles each' of the pintles`10and engages the' sup porting rod l1L in such a Inan'ner 1sV tov norInally urge the same upwardly intoY engagema-tically disposed out of theway when ther tablel lis -collapsed or folded-3' as shown clearlylinFigure 3. Y

` The uprigh-tsl at' onex end of 'thel table are provided' at' theirlower ends 'withfswiveled casters 14 whereby thatV end' ofthe table maybe readily turned-and guidedin transportation or disposition for-use.The uprights 1 at the opposite' end of the' table are supported at theirlower ends by wheels? 15- whereby the; table as a unit when in either'foldedhor ugnfol'd'edposition may be readily transportedby wheeling itfrom one placey to' another.

In order` thatthef table may be foldedV and unfoldedjin the easiestpossiblemanner, and alsoK in order to provide a bracelfor the table whenin unfolded'position, have provided a; novel `lin`jkf folding' lmeansa't` each end l'of' the table which will now be described.-

Adjacent each end of the table, the sectionsi 5* forming'the' tabletop'a'li'fe provided on their uflrcl'ersides with-,ears or; brackets 16to which are'pivoted one end of 'each ofthe links 17 ofg equal lengthandthe Vopposite; ends of which links are pivoted to a common pivotcientrall-yy disposed beneath the# tablef topi and indicated at i8. Alsopivoted-attheir inner end to thiscommon pintle 18,ar`ea second pair oflinks 19,A ofequfal lengthandhavingl their oppositeends pivoted each toone of the uprightsupports 1 asiat 20'.` Ity willlbe understood of@ourse-thatthe links; 17a-nd 19l and' their'pi'votal' arrangementareduplicated atl'eacjhf end ofthe table; It will'be obvious therefore;`that with this arrangement' of links pivoted at their inner ends to acommon pivot 18 disposed centrally of the table and an equal distancefrom the upright supports 1, merely lifting upwardly on either ofthesections 5 comprising the table top, will serve to foldthe-*table toupwardly as shown in Figure 3 and at the same time by virtue of thelinks 19, draw the side frames toward each. other whereby the table, mayassume the folded position VVshown inFigure 3. If it is desired tounfold the table and place it in condition for use, it is merelynecessaryto spread the side frame members consistingiof the uprights 1and the cross bars 2 and43, whereupon through the links 17 and 1'9the-top sec-tions '5 `'willi belowered to level abutting or'coplanarposition y andf ati-'sub` `stantia'llyrightangles tothe frame legs.lrllhey novelflinkV arrangement'ma-kes it possible forf the user of thetable' in unfolding the same foruse to merelylift one sidethereofslightlyl ther spreading'o'f the side frame and-serve`= to4support and brace the table in unfold-ed'v position. It will be' notedalso thatl a brace; isprovidedin the form of'twobars 19a and,`

19M-'hinged together at their inner endsf'asj at '20u51 a coil spring21a; being' provided` aroun'dthe hinge and so positioned as to nor--mally'urge the lba'r's'upwardly to longitudinal alignment. The outerendsV ofzthe bars are` hiiiged asfatV 22a to the crossibars 3. Whenlli/O theftable is folded asshownrin Figure 3, the Y bars 19a and 19?)fold upwardly.Vv The weight which may be placeduponthe top ofthe'table'e r is equally distributed through the links 17 and '19' and the bars19a and 19h-'to the side framesofthe'tabldwhereby to provide a very.y

rigid and solid construction for regular tablev use. Ifj desi'redg'ofcoursethedropleavesSl j:

may bei raised to thefposition-shown in full lines in Figure'l, and areheld in such porsi-v ti'on by brace armsl 111 engaging withinv lthenotches in: the cross ba'r3'. It will also; bei:

the top sections 5 are' brought to"` coplanar' relation they aredisposed? and braced atlsubstantially right angles to both the legsurfaces forming the table frame.

It will be noted with reference to Figure 3 particularly that when thetable is folded or collapsed it occupies but relatively little space andis supported upon the wheels and casters 15 and 14 respectively, wherebyit may be readily wheeled or transported from place to place instead ofhaving to be carried as is the case with the rigid type of servingtable. The frame portions of the table and the top sections, as well asthe drop leaves may of course be made of any suitable material, but arepreferably of wood of any desired finish and strength, thus providing anattractive table, light in weight, but durable and substantial. Thesystem of connections between the folding parts is such that there islittle or no likelihood of breakage or parts getting out of order andrequiring repair. The entire construction is of but few parts which inproduction may be standardized, whereby rendering the table economicalto manufacture and easy of assembly.

In Figure Il is shown a slightly modified type, but embodying all of thefeatures and principles shown and described in connection with the otherfigures. The upright members la correspond to the uprights l in Figuresl, 2 and 3, and are provided attheir upper ends with the top sections5a, the outer extending ends of which have hinged thereto the dropleaves 8a. These drop leaves are likewise provided with the supportingbrace rods lla, corresponding to the rods l1 of the other figures. Y

rlfhe links 17a and 19a correspond to the links 17 and 19 of the otherfigures.

The difference between this table and that shown in the other figures,lies in the fact that the top sections 5a are spaced apart centrally andare hinged at their inner ends as at 2l to the underside of the centerpiece 22 extendino` longitudinally of the table. It will be clear fromthis construction that when this table is folded to the position of thatshown in Figure 3, this center section 22 will remain horizontal becauseof the synchronized action of the links, and provide a supporting meansfor anything which it may be desired to set on the table during non-useof the table in unfolded position. Thus, the table may remain in a roomas a permanent piece of furniture and serve as a support for books,vases or the like during non-use.- Vhen it is desired to use the table,however, for serving, it may be unfolded whereupon the sections 22 and5a provide a flat smooth table top as shown in Figure 4.

Although I have shown and described a construction in which the links ofeach pair, above and below the common pivot, are of equal length, itwill be understood that, de-

= pending upon the hinge point, the links may l. A folding tablecomprising parallel sideA framesI constituting `supporting legs, a' topsection hinged to the upper -edge of each frame and hinged togetherbetween` and parallelwithsaid frames, a link pivotedat one end to eachframe and ea'ch'top section, and

a common pivotvfor the opposite end o f ally of said links.

Q A folding table ycomprising parallel side frames constitutingsupporting legs, a top sectionV hinged to the upper, edge of each frameand hinged together between and parallel with said frames, a'linkpivoted atone end to eacn frame and each top section, and

a common pivot for the opposite -endfof-all of said links, said commonpivot'beingV disposed centrally betweensaid frames and free to swingupwardly and downwardlyy during folding and unfolding of the table.

3. A folding table comprising parallel sidey frames* constitutingsupporting legs, a top section hinged toth'e upperedge of each frame andhinged together between and parallel withv said frames, a link vpivotedat one end to each frame and each top sectionfand acommo'n pivot for theopposite end of all of said links, Lsaid common pivot being disposedcentrally between said frames andr free to swing upwardlyand downwardlyduring folding and unfolding of the'table, said links being disposed ateach end ofsaid table.

4.' A folding table comprising parallel side frames constitutingsupportinglegs, a topl section hinged to the upper edge of each frameand hingedtogether between and par-Y allel iwith said frame, a'linkpivoted at one end to the underside of each top'se'ction', said linksbeing f of thesamev length and havingtheir opposite ends pivoted to acommon pivot, anda link pivoted at one end to each of said side frames,said links being of equal length and having their opposite ends pivotedto said common pivot.

5. A folding table comprising parallel side frames constitutingsupporting legs, a top section hinged to upper edge of each frame andhinged together between and parallel with said frames, a link pivoted atone end to'each of said top sections and to each of said frames and acommon pivot for the opposite ends of all of said links, said links andcommon pivotbeing so disposed that said links cooperate to provide arigid brace for the table in unfolded position.

6. A folding table comprising parallel side frames constitutingsupporting legs, a top ico izo

section hingedfto 4the lippen edge of, each frame; and hinged' togetherbetween andA pfalgallel; with said frames, a, link givoted at one end'toy eaeh of said topr sections7 and, te.l each, Qi said framesandacemmonpivotbelow said top :and between; said frames forItheoppositeendsy of, all' of said linl s, said, links andE come' monpivot being so disposedthat said top... sections and said frames alwaysmaintain a 19,. defini-te predetermined1 ,relationV to each. otherimfolded:andunfoldedposition.,v 7... Af, folding table comprisingparallel sidet ira-mesZ constituting supporting: legsV a top, sectionhinged to the upperedge'oz each: l5, traine, aVcenter'topsectionthe,inn`er edges, ofYsa-id Vfirst namedtopsectionsbeing hinged: to said center top section, and links;pivoted` atone:encLto-saidiirstnamed. topsections and said trames and at theiropposite ends to, a; 20. common pivot, whereby said table, may be.oldedand' unfolded, said:` links maintaining a c leiinitejjpredetermined relation between said. topsections andsaidside frames.

8. A folding table comprising` frames hav- 25 ingeross bars,a foldable,top for said` table, drop leaves, hinged tosaid top, andv support..-

ingg-means for; said drop` leaves cooperable with said., crossi barsyforl preventing. folding movement of said frames and top when said 3Qdrop leaves arein supported position.

9.. Ai folding,mechanism` forv three pivotally connected members,comprising three links,- two oi saidv members` being foldable. to,coplanar relation. at substantially right an 35 gles-to said thirdVmember, each of saidmem-A bers having one ofsaid links pivetallyattached thereto, and all oi said links-,havinga reecommon pivot.

10. A folding` mechanism for our pivot'-V Y,40 ally connected members,comprising four links,- two of said members being foldable; to coplanarrelation at substantially rightI angles to said other two members, eachof said members having one of said links. pivotally- 4v 45 attachedthereto, and all of said;` links having a Jf1-ee common pivot.4 l .Intestimony whereof, II a-i-X mysi'gnfature.

HAROLD,

